Ridgecrest Field Office represents BLM at Boy Scout Event in Palmdale

BLM staff brought a mustang, burro, and tortoise to take part in the “Scout-O-Rama” on October 20. This event is held for Cub Scout Packs and Boy Scout Troops to display some of their favorite activities and also to visit booths and other displays. It is coordinated by the Boy Scouts of America, Western Los Angeles County Council, Antelope Valley District.

Carrie Woods, wildlife biologist with BLM’s Ridgecrest Field Office, brought her pet desert tortoise to help inform the public about desert tortoise ecology and conservation. Carrie gave talks about the tortoise, including how long they live, how to age them, and what people can do to protect the tortoise in the wild. She also spoke about the dangers of abandoned mines in the desert.

C.J. Wallace from the BLM’s Ridgecrest Regional Wild Horse & Burro Facility escorted Mouse and Felicity, her mustang and burro, as representatives. C.J. adopted both from the Regional facility and uses them to promote the BLM’s Wild Horse and Burro adoption program. The children really seemed to enjoy the hands-on experience with the live animals. Both programs handed out free outreach material including educational brochures, posters, water bottles and bracelets.